Staging Checklist

When it comes to selling your home, there’s one thing to keep in mind: people don’t buy houses, they buy homes. Your goal is to make it easy for potential buyers to picture themselves living in your home. The act of grooming and decorating a house to properly showcase its features and make it more attractive is referred to by industry experts as home staging. Here’s a list of house staging tips to help you make the right impression on potential buyers.

Repairs, home improvements and décor

Walk through your home with a friend and scrutinize every room from a buyer’s perspective. Renovate or fix any problems.

Make sure outside lights and doorbell work, and your house number can be seen from the road.

Last-minute open-house preparation

Open drapes and blinds. If there are no windows in the room, make sure lighting is adequate.

Turn on all the lights, even during the day, including outside entrance, closet, basement and attic lights.

Clean windows and mirrors.

Create ambiance by setting up for a formal dinner, lighting the fireplace on a cold day, displaying lightly scented candles for aroma, and adding fresh flowers to your décor.

Turn off the television, stereo and radio (easy-listening music is OK).

Put pets in a fenced yard, or drop them off with friends.

Put out refreshments to keep visitors longer.

Clear any pet or cigarette odours.

If possible, leave. If you must remain, be courteous and avoid conversation.

Ask your agent for feedback after the open house, and make some adjustments if needed.

It may sound like a lot to worry about, but don't panic.A good Agent will give you as much notice as possible when showing your home, and will accommodate your schedule. Other agents will also make appointments in advance and give you time to prepare.